S.A.’s Elf gets good news and local Xmas video magical

Time for Christmas cheer! Elf Louise, one of S.A.’s true holiday angels, shared this good news: “My mammogram came out free and clear of cancer,” Louise Locker wrote in a message on Facebook.

“I cried with relief and thankfulness. I am hoping and praying and believing that I will receive a clean bill of health when the scans are done next week.”

More good news: At last check, her annual Christmas Project was shy of just under $86,000 to reach the Elf’s goal of $300,000 for the city’s needy children. One reason was the grand success of the recent WOAI Radiothon; proceeds exceeded those of last year.

“We are now up to just over $214,600 with $208,000 coming in through the WOAI-Elf Louise Radiothon,” Louise wrote. “Our goal of $300,000 is necessary to continue to give presents to over 20,000 children each year.”

She also reminded people of how they can donate without even leaving their homes. “People can still donate by going to elflouise.org. We also have a campaign where we will get two dollars for every used, even broken, cell phone that is given to us. We will even pick them up.”

OK? As you read this, her Santas and elves are preparing to start their journey laced with smiles and laughter from San Antonio’s youngsters.

“I am so thankful for the thousands of San Antonians that are giving so generously of their time and with their money in this challenging time. We have had a record number of people offer to volunteer to help and all our Santas are lined up ready to deliver beginning Sunday,” she wrote. “I am still pretty weak physically and go to physical therapy almost daily. So I am working on Christmas mainly from home and through Facebook. I believe we can and will reach our goals for Christmas and I will be free of cancer. You’ve got to believe. To me, that’s how miracles occur.”

And if anyone’s deserving of a miracle it’s the huge-hearted Louise.

S.A. talents create Xmas video

Meanwhile, a group of talented S.A. elves wrote and produced a Christmas video that was inspired by Louise and her work over the years. It’s wonderful and uplifting.

Media wizard Christopher Palmer told me this story behind it: “Some months back some people got together and wrote a song to help the Elf this season. I was approached by Sonny Melendrez to produce a video to go along with the song. . . We all donated our time and services to this cause. It was written by Steve Feinstein and Don Hymel of The Tim and Bob Show. It was recorded at Dreamland Studios and the video was produced by UVision Productions.
Chris Duel and April Ancira and Sonny make a singing appearance in the song.”